Steering, Suspension & Drivetrain Questions about your steering, suspension, axles, and/or transfer case? Post up here.

Lower control arm bolts

Old May 4, 2018 | 07:36 AM
  #1  
dlundblad's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
New Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 76
dlundblad is on a distinguished road
Default Lower control arm bolts

This would be for my 4x4 1997 Blazer.

I'm getting ready to replace the control arms and steering components. I'm certain the bolts are going to break so I've bought replacements for the upper, but am unable to find anything on the lowers.

Anyone have the length and diameter? The rearmost bolt is easy to get to and is around 4.2" long. The front is partially buried in the frame so if someone could at least confirm that they're identical, that would be great.
 
Old May 4, 2018 | 03:48 PM
  #2  
dlundblad's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
New Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 76
dlundblad is on a distinguished road
Default

I'll be doing the job in 3 weeks or so and will keep everyone posted if nobody replies.

Control arms w/ ball joints (top and bottom).
Tie rod ends
Adjusting sleeves
Upper bolts with cams
Idler arm
Sway bar end links (PO installed wrong and they're damaged.)


Can't think of anything else. I'm hoping to reuse the wheel bearings, but I have 1 on hand.
 

Last edited by dlundblad; May 4, 2018 at 03:51 PM.
Old May 4, 2018 | 09:02 PM
  #3  
AJBert's Avatar
BF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,871
From: In the Colorado mountains
AJBert is just really niceAJBert is just really niceAJBert is just really niceAJBert is just really nice
Default

Just curious why you think they will break? They are pretty stout bolts and as I recall they are they same. Been a few years since I changed the bushings.
 
Old May 4, 2018 | 10:12 PM
  #4  
ChuckNTruck's Avatar
Junior Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 352
From: North Dakota
ChuckNTruck is on a distinguished road
Default

Just incase they break, number 11 and 12
Truck Parts and Truck Accessories
 
Old May 5, 2018 | 04:35 AM
  #5  
dlundblad's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
New Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 76
dlundblad is on a distinguished road
Default

Originally Posted by ChuckNTruck
Just incase they break, number 11 and 12
Truck Parts and Truck Accessories
Thank you very much!

***Never heard of this site before either. Thanks again.
 

Last edited by dlundblad; May 5, 2018 at 04:39 AM.
Old May 5, 2018 | 04:36 AM
  #6  
dlundblad's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
New Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 76
dlundblad is on a distinguished road
Default

Originally Posted by AJBert
Just curious why you think they will break? They are pretty stout bolts and as I recall they are they same. Been a few years since I changed the bushings.
I've broken other bolts while doing suspension work. Just being prepared.
 
Old May 5, 2018 | 02:42 PM
  #7  
boudreaux55's Avatar
Starting Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 193
From: central arkansas
boudreaux55 is on a distinguished road
Default lower control arm bolts

i just did mine last weekend, the lower control arm bolts are the same....
 
Old May 5, 2018 | 02:43 PM
  #8  
boudreaux55's Avatar
Starting Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 193
From: central arkansas
boudreaux55 is on a distinguished road
Default lower control arm bolts

mine is also a 97 4x4
 
Old May 22, 2018 | 04:57 AM
  #9  
dlundblad's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
New Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 76
dlundblad is on a distinguished road
Default

I went ahead and ordered those bolts and they arrived while I was on vacation. I thought the heck with it and bought nuts too so I have everything ready to go. They are definitely unique and something most likely not found in a hardware store or on McMaster.

Right next to the head, there's a slightly larger diameter about .300 in length or so. That said, I am sure a normal 10.9 bolt would work fine and not cost $50 for a set. (My Jeep had this style of bolt for the shocks. "Shock clunk" is very common with this model and using normal bolts as well as solid factory sleeves is a remedy.)

I'm going to try to get the pitch and a few dimensions today for those interested. Thanks again everyone.
 

Last edited by dlundblad; May 22, 2018 at 05:00 AM.
Old May 22, 2018 | 07:33 AM
  #10  
dlundblad's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
New Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 76
dlundblad is on a distinguished road
Default

Pitch: M14x2
10.9 grade.
Thread length: 52.5 mm (2.066")
Overall length: ~103.8 mm (4.086")
Major diameter near head: ~14mm and 20 mm (~.800") long.
The minor diameter at the center is 12.6 mm.

A regular bolt may work, but this style may keep things from binding up. If you go the regular bolt route, use grease. Use 10.9 grade, but preferably greater if possible as the heat treat on the OE bolt vs. another could be different. HTH someone.

 

Last edited by dlundblad; May 22, 2018 at 07:49 AM.

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:44 PM.